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Thursday, February 04, 2016

Coloring for Adults Workshops to Be Held at Springville Road Regional Branch Library on February 5, Central Library on February 23

The Birmingham Public Library (BPL)’s Coloring for Adults workshop dates have been set for February.

The workshop will take place on Friday, February 5, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Springville Road Regional Branch Library, and will be held at the Central Library from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on February 23. Free colored pencils, coloring sheets, crayons, and light refreshments will be provided at both workshops.

Coloring For Adults offers a relaxing activity that has proven popular since its debut in early November, said Leslie Deason, a librarian at the Central Library who came up with the idea.

“We are very excited about our adult coloring program,” Deason said. “Coloring is very beneficial with people. It helps with stress, relaxation and cognitive function as well. People can return to their childhood and see something wonderful in the things they color. We’ve enjoyed having patrons at the library and setting up this program.”

Deason said she came up with the idea a year ago when adult coloring became popular among patrons, with coloring books for adults becoming best sellers on sites like Amazon.com.

“I thought what a wonderful thing to do for our patrons,” Deason said. “It serves the mission of our library to serve the public. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our patrons to come in, relax and do something creative. It’s been very successful so far. We will continue having additional programs as long as the interest lasts.”

The program comes as industry leader Crayola has launched Crayola Color Escapes, a line of adult coloring kits featuring 11 by 17-inch black and white illustrations by artist Claudia Nice, plus a collection of colored pencils and colored markers. The Crayola line also features 8 by 10-inch coloring books for $10 featuring themed illustrations (Folk Art Escapes, Whimsical Escapes, Patterned Escapes, and Elegant Escapes).